WASHINGTON, D.C. – A measure to congratulate Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, H. Res 1112, passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by voice vote. It was introduced by U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard.
“THON now has 15,000 student volunteers and is part of a year-long effort to raise funds and awareness,” Thompson told his colleagues on the floor of the House of Representatives. “This year, THON raised more than $7.8 million for pediatric cancer patients. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and helps to make a difference in the lives of children with pediatric cancer.”
The resolution reads, “…student volunteers at the Pennsylvania State University annually collect money and dance for 46 hours straight at the Bryce Jordan Center for THON, bringing energy and excitement to campus for a mission to conquer cancer, and bringing awareness to countless thousands more.”
THON set a new fundraising record of $7.8 million even after the previous record of $7.5 million was set in 2009. The Four Diamonds Fund has helped more than 2,000 families and currently is helping to build a new Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, and has helped support pediatric cancer research that has caused some pediatric cancer survival rates to increase to nearly 90 percent.
“Since 1973, when THON began, it has raised more than $68.9 million to conquer childhood cancer,” said Thompson.
The final paragraph of the resolution, “Commends the Pennsylvania State University students, volunteers and supporting organizations for their hard work putting together another record-breaking THON.”
